Chapter 3: A Record of Basic Herb Identification

Subsequently, Feng Ruo quickly finished feeding the eighteen snow spirit silkworms, and then proceeded along a small path. Soon, a vast canyon appeared before him, and on the opposite side of the canyon stood a lush, steep mountain.

Sheathed the Moonlit Dagger, Feng Ruo's expression returned to its original state. Regardless of the circumstances, there would be no opportunity to venture out and hunt low-tier spirit beasts in the upcoming season. The number of spirit mulberry leaves required for the eighteen Snow Spirit Silkworms was an exceedingly daunting figure, which made him feel a headache just thinking about it

Feng Ruo's debt amounts to five Five Elements Stones. Since he has never been acquainted with any spiritual herbs, he recently purchased two jade slips from a more approachable alchemist brother. One is a beginner's guide to identifying spiritual herbs, which records the shapes, medicinal effects, and origins of one hundred common spiritual herbs, and includes three low-level pill formulas: Blood-Stopping Powder, Vitality-Reviving Powder, and Universal Powder.

The content of these two jade slips can be described as exceedingly simple, something that the third-generation disciples of the Qingyun Sect would disdain. However, for Feng Ruo, it is invaluable, which is why she is willing to incur a debt of five Five Elements Stones to acquire them

Feng Ruo first passed through his fragrant spirit rice fields. After a quick inspection, he couldn't help but nod. This fragrant spirit rice only needs to be planted, and then watered with some spirit spring water every few days, making it quite easy compared to the *illustrated* book. However, he felt somewhat regretful that the maturation period for this fragrant spirit rice requires at least one year, which also means he must endure the terrible taste of the rice cakes for a much longer time.

When the dark green bamboo crashed to the ground, the flames on the short knife in Feng Ruo's hand immediately extinguished, and a look of fatigue appeared on his face. Although the attack with the additional flames was powerful, he could only perform it twice with his current magical power, and after those two times, he had no combat ability left.

However, for an ordinary person like him, who is utterly ungrounded and possesses mediocre talent, the difficulties he faces in truly becoming a practitioner are absolutely unimaginable

This mountain also falls within the range of the Qingyun Mountain Range, but it is not under the protection of the Qingyun Sect, as the sect's residence occupies only the main peak of Qingyun Mountain. At every moment, disciples patrol the main peak, and if they discover any spirit beasts intruding, they will immediately eliminate them, making it arguably the safest place.

At present, Feng Ruo has two hundred and nine Blood Coagulation Herbs in hand. If all goes well in the coming days, he will be able to gather three hundred Blood Coagulation Herbs, thereby reducing one-fifth of the debt he carries.

It seems that the quantity of magical power is indeed fundamental! Feng Ruo shook his head and sighed. He originally thought that by using the Five Elements Stones to enhance his long sword, he would have a certain level of confidence in hunting low-tier spirit beasts. However, it now appears that more preparation is necessary. After all, one only has one life, and if any unforeseen circumstances arise, it would be too late for regrets.

It is somewhat regrettable that he can only execute it twice in succession; if the number of enemies exceeds one, or if the opponent is somewhat stronger, he is essentially in a situation of certain death.

This power is not merely comparable to the simple sharpness mentioned earlier; rather, it is the flame attribute inherent to the fire element stone itself, which, however, requires magical energy to sustain

As for the Universal Elixir, it is equally indispensable. This potion can neutralize most common toxins and also enhance Feng Ruo's safety during hunting.

After slightly regaining his breath, Feng Ruo carefully examined the results of the battle. Although he had anticipated this outcome, he still felt an overwhelming shock in his heart. The power of that last strike was truly terrifying; such an attack could almost be considered invincible in the mortal realm. It is likely that even some low-tier spirit beasts could break through defenses!

With a swift flash, two bright blades of light cut through the air, instantly severing two green bamboos, each as thick as a bowl, without the slightest hesitation. Upon examining the cut ends of the bamboo, they are remarkably smooth, devoid of even the tiniest burr, which sufficiently demonstrates the sharpness of the blades just moments ago.

However, now the green bamboo has become utterly vulnerable, which demonstrates the significant effect of the Five Elements Stone. This is merely a low-grade Five Elements Stone, yet it has such a noticeable impact. One can only imagine the effects of a higher-grade Five Elements Stone.

In addition, he also needs to collect three types of low-level spiritual herbs: Blood Coagulation Grass, Sweet Dew Branch, and Thousand-Mile Fragrance. This task was assigned to him by a third-generation disciple from the Qingyun Sect who specializes in alchemy. According to their agreement, as long as Feng Ruo collects three hundred Blood Coagulation Grasses, or two hundred Sweet Dew Branches, or one hundred Thousand-Mile Fragrances, he will be able to exchange them for a low-grade Five Elements Stone from that alchemist brother.

With a roar, accompanied by a whistling sound, the flaming short knife effortlessly severed the dark green bamboo, which was as thick as a bowl. However, that was not all; the flames on the short knife instantly charred the two broken ends of the dark green bamboo to a crisp black.

Although ten low-grade Five Elements Stones may not be significant compared to the third-generation disciples like Kong Fei, for Feng Ruo, they are no less than a great mountain

The hemostatic powder, which can restore relatively minor injuries in a short period, has an effect that is beyond question

In Feng Ruo's plan, hunting low-level spirit beasts to earn Five Elements Stones is only one part of the strategy, while personally raising Snow Spirit Silkworms is even more crucial, as it is the best way for him to obtain the Snow Silkworm Set. However, he must first purchase the silkworm seeds. According to the information he had gathered earlier, a single Snow Spirit Silkworm seed requires at least ten Five Elements Stones.

The Vitality Powder appears to be even more important now, as it can restore a certain amount of magical power in a short period. If Feng Ruo possesses this Vitality Powder, it would be equivalent to his ability to consecutively cast the Flame Blade technique three times, which would undoubtedly greatly enhance his strength

However, the surrounding peaks are different, housing a variety of spiritual beasts. Even third-generation disciples like Kong Fei must form small teams of several people to dare to venture deep inside. Naturally, individuals like Feng Ruo would be even more hesitant to approach.

Another source of income is the collection of spiritual herbs, but that is fraught with difficulties and yields very little benefit

What a fine blade! The Five Elements Stone is indeed extraordinary!" Feng Ruomei exclaimed with excitement. The green bamboo in the back mountain appears ordinary, yet it is incredibly hard; otherwise, it would not have caused so many nicks on his previous long knife.

This red flame seems to possess a spirit of its own, crackling and roaring. In an instant, the temperature within a radius of five feet around Feng Ruo's body suddenly rises!

Taking a deep breath, Feng Ruo gripped the short knife with one hand and slowly infused the magical power he had restored last night into the blade. In the blink of an eye, a faint humming sound suddenly resonated, and to his astonishment, a bizarre red flame, half a foot long, appeared on the short knife.

"Drink!" Feng roared, and the flame short knife in his hand struck like lightning towards a dark green bamboo not far away. This dark green bamboo was harder than ordinary bamboo, just like his previous long knife, leaving no trace of the blade, almost indistinguishable from solid stone.

However, what Feng Ruo valued the most were the three simple alchemical formulas in the Beginner's Spirit Herb Identification Record. The reason he was reluctant to hunt low-level spirit beasts for so long, aside from not having suitable weapons, was mainly to wait until he had learned these three formulas

What troubled Feng Ruo was that, due to his reluctance to delve too deeply, he had only discovered the Blood Coagulation Grass so far, while the two more precious spiritual herbs, the Sweet Dew Branch and the Thousand-Mile Fragrance, remained undiscovered.

The other one is the Beginner Spirit Beast Identification Record, which documents the appearance, strength levels, and living habits of one hundred common spirit beasts

As the sun rose high in the eastern sky, Feng Ruo could no longer afford to hesitate. He immediately sprinted towards his mulberry garden, all the while calculating in his mind. To be honest, as he deepened his understanding of this world of cultivation, he became increasingly unwilling to remain just a menial worker. Not to mention anything else, the mere prospect of extending one's lifespan was an unparalleled temptation